SA abstains vote from 'premature' suspension of Russia from UN Human Rights Council
South Africa has abstained from voting on the suspension of Russia from the United Nations Human Rights Council on Thursday over the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The UN General Assembly voted to suspend Russia from the global body's Human Rights Council as punishment for its invasion of Ukraine.
South Africa was one of 58 countries that abstained, including Senegal, Brazil, Mexico and India.
In a statement, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo says SA believes the resolution was premature and will only lead to further divisions within the UN Assembly.
“South Africa is of the firm belief that the tabling of the resolution that we will consider today is premature and prejudges the outcomes of the Commission of Enquiry. We just allow the Commission to urgently undertake its mandate and report to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly on its outcomes.
It is also imperative that all parties to the conflict must allow the Commission to perform its duties without any hindrance and interference,” says Mabhongo.
Mabhongo says South Africa is deeply concerned about the reports of the civilian casualties in Ukraine.
“As the international community, we cannot be indifferent to the killing and suffering of civilians. The humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the ongoing military operations must be addressed and there must be an urgent opening of humanitarian corridors and the provision of aid to the civilian population.”
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